Dear Children,
So we want to talk about comfort food! Now, I like to eat food rather than talk about it, but food has been a bit of a journey for me over the years.
You see, growing up in a big family, I learned to appreciate whatever was put on the table. Watching Grandma cook for 12 people was something else. She’d work so hard, and then hearing anyone complain about the food just didn’t sit right with me. So, I made up my mind early on to be grateful and eat whatever was served – and I pretty much can eat anything. I remember once at a youth group event when Ashley was a teenager, we had this Survivor-style food challenge. I was eating for the parents’ team, and I overheard Alexis say, “We don’t stand a chance, he can eat anything.” And you know what? I did eat everything, even finishing what other parents couldn’t.
But let’s talk about what I really love. If I had to pick, my favorite comfort food would be peanut butter, eaten right off a spoon, paired with chocolate milk. I discovered this combo at Dean’s house during one summer. Dean and I had a dollar each to spend on candy, and while we initially wanted Reese’s cups, Dean had the brilliant idea to buy large Hershey’s chocolate bars and a big jar of peanut butter. We made our own Reese’s Cups, and it was fantastic. Back on the farm, we didn’t have the chocolate bars, but we always had peanut butter and Nestle’s quick for chocolate milk. I could eat that combo twice a day if it didn’t make me gain weight! But since we can’t have peanut butter in the house (because I’ll eat it all), my next choice is chips and dip. I love thick, ruffled potato chips with ranch dip. It’s something I could munch on all day.
And, if I’m being totally honest, I’d count Scotch as a food too. It’s not water, and you do consume it, right? If it weren’t for the side effects, that would be pretty high on my list.
Now, here’s a little life lesson: just as it’s served me well not to be picky about food, I think the same holds true in many areas of life. By not being too choosy about what you eat, where you go, or what you do, life becomes simpler. You get along better with people, work feels easier, and vacations are more fun. But, and this is important, be picky about who your friends are. Your friends should be those who help you grow, challenge you, make you think, and help you become a better person. For the small stuff in life like what you eat or where you go or what your doing when you get there, try not to sweat it too much. In the grand scheme of things, they really don’t matter as much as the people you surround yourself with.
Take care and maybe enjoy a spoonful of peanut butter for me!
Love,
Dad